top of page
_edited_edited.png)
Blog
The Our Voices Blog
by 5WAVES
...highlighting the diverse voices of lived experience around sibling sexual trauma
Note: This blog highlights experiences and views of those who have personal experience with sibling sexual trauma or abuse in some capacity. The views and words are the author's own, and are not the statements or views of 5WAVES, Inc.
The Most Important Factor
What is the most important factor in successful outcomes for children who have been sexually abused, and young people who have displayed harmful sexual behavior? Parental Support.
Dissociative Identity Disorder & SSA
Dr. Maggie Bell experienced sexual, physical and emotional abuse by her brother for 17 years resulting in Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), in which different memories, reactions and feelings were isolated into separate parts of her personality. In this blog she raises awareness about DID, a stigmatized disorder, and shares how she learned more about her parts and how to work with them through musical composition.
Crisis Centers in Crisis
Local sexual and domestic abuse services are in jeopardy worldwide due to sudden and severe funding cuts. Learn more about possible impacts on the SSTA community from 5WAVES and the No More Foundation.
The Invisible Support: A Partner's Journey with Survivorship
In the intricate journey of recovery and healing from trauma, the role of a supportive partner can often be the unsung melody in a survivor's symphony of healing.
Power Dynamics & Patriarchy: The Words No One Wants to Talk About
How do unequal power dynamics set the stage for certain people (due to gender, birth order, race, able-bodiedness, etc.) to take advantage of and harm others? No matter what you call it, What happens when one person gets to do things others are “not supposed to do”?
Behind the Dark Night
I cover my eyes
Shame held tight
It’s safe in here
But dark as night...
Shame held tight
It’s safe in here
But dark as night...
Chained, but Reclaimed
I was too young to name the night,
too naïve to flee or fight.
My body froze, my breath ran cold,
while hands took what I couldn’t hold...
too naïve to flee or fight.
My body froze, my breath ran cold,
while hands took what I couldn’t hold...
Pyramid of Responsibility
Young people are responsible for carrying out harmful or abusive actions, but it would be inappropriate to place the responsibility that lies with family or society onto their shoulders.
My Adult Child Sexually Abused Their Sibling when They Were Kids
What do I say now to the one who was responsible for causing harm as a child, but is now an adult?
We're Not Alone!
Learn about other sites on the web, also devoted to sibling sexual abuse--or whatever term the author coined to describe their experience.
Risa Shaw & Not Child's PLay
Meet Risa Shaw & hear her story of publishing Not Child's Play, an anthology featuring 56 pieces of visual and written art created by 35 female SSA survivors, a generation before #MeToo.
The Unraveling
Jane, a survivor of sibling sexual abuse, shares her process of grief giving rise to hope.
A Mother's Prayer (a poem)
This weight is double—a love bruised on both sides, for the child who wounded, and the child left wounded.
A Two Way Street
Alice Perle, SSA survivor, shares words of wisdom for other survivors who have not yet spoken about the abuse they experienced.
(How) Do I Tell My Mom?
As a parent who has been on the other side of disclosure, what do I have to say to you, a teen or adult considering telling your parents that your sibling crossed your sexual boundaries and caused trauma that you are now dealing with?
40 Years I Kept his Secret, and It Almost Killed Me
Creative Dana shares her art and poetry. "Chasing a fantasy, living in make believe. Believing it could all go away..."
What Do Parents Need?
Brandy Black's article for safeguarding professionals, from NOTA News, summer 2024
LGBTQIA2S+ Sibling Sexual Abuse Survivors
Caitlyn Jean shares their art, and their solidarity for other SSA survivors who are questioning or exploring their sexuality and gender.
Alice's Perspective for Parents: An Adult Daughter's Journey
Alice Perle shares advice for parents of adult survivors, from the perspective of herself as an SSA survivor who disclosed in adulthood.
The Trauma Prism
The wounds of SSA had damaged our relationships with our daughters long ago — without us knowing anything about it.
Dear Younger Ann,
A husband's letter to his wife, as she was as a young girl--and to survivors everywhere.
To the Partners...
"Dale" follows up his letter to his wife with a letter to other partners of survivors.
A Mother's Lament: Irreparable Damage
Amber shares a poem that resonated with many parents in our support group.
Forgiving My Younger Self for Staying Silent About My Sibling Sexual Abuse
Phil reflects on his reality as a boy and his journey as a man after being sexually abused by his brother.
A Mother's Shattered Heart: Finding the Strength
Heather, Brooke's mother, shares her victim impact statement, as a parent and secondary victim of sibling sexual abuse.
bottom of page